Getting Oriented
The road sits in eastern Inyo County in the White Mountains, the range east of the Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley. Big Pine on US-395 is the gateway town. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest sits between the towns of Bishop and Big Pine, accessed via State Route 168 then north on White Mountain Road. The Schulman Grove holds Methuselah, a 4,847-year-old bristlecone pine and one of the oldest known living organisms.
Trail Overview
From the SR-168 junction at 8,000 feet, the road climbs through pinyon-juniper woodland on pavement to the Sierra View Overlook. Beyond the overlook the road continues paved to the Schulman Grove visitor center at 10,000 feet. The visitor center sits at the edge of the Methuselah Grove with a self-guided trail through the oldest trees. The road's character changes here: the final 12 miles to the Patriarch Grove are graded native dirt at altitude.
The Patriarch Grove sits at 11,200 feet on a windswept dolomite ridge, holding the world's largest living bristlecone pine. The setting is alpine desert; the trees grow on calcium-rich soil that excludes most other vegetation. Plan a full day for the round trip from US-395, or stay overnight at the Grandview Campground partway up to acclimatize.
Points of Interest
- Schulman Grove visitor center. Open May through October. Bookstore, ranger contact, and the trailhead for the Methuselah Trail.
- Methuselah Grove. The 4.5-mile loop through the oldest trees. Methuselah itself is unmarked to discourage damage.
- Sierra View Overlook. Panoramic view of the Sierra crest including Mt. Whitney and the Palisades.
- Patriarch Grove. The world's largest bristlecone pine at 11,200 feet. Two short trails loop the grove.
- Grandview Campground. A first-come campground at 8,600 feet with no fees.
- Silver Canyon Trail. A technical 4WD descent to Laws on the Owens Valley floor.
- Wyman Canyon Trail. Another technical 4WD route east into the valley.
Where to Camp
Grandview Campground at 8,600 feet has 26 first-come sites with no fees, vault toilets, and no water. The campground is on the road between SR-168 and the Schulman Grove. Higher up, no developed camping is allowed in the bristlecone forest. Dispersed camping is permitted in the surrounding national forest with the standard 14-day stay limit.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit June through October. The road closes for winter and reopens depending on snowpack.
- Acclimate to altitude. The Patriarch Grove is at 11,200 feet; visitors arriving from sea level should plan a slow ascent.
- Carry water; the visitor center has potable water but the road has none.
- Stay on designated trails in the bristlecone groves. The trees and their root systems are millennia old and damage easily.
- Cell service is unreliable above 8,000 feet.
- Patriarch Grove access is dirt; check road status if rain is forecast.
- Do not collect bristlecone wood or cones. The forest is a federally designated research area.
- Contact the Inyo National Forest at 760-873-2500 or the Schulman Grove visitor center for current conditions.
